UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Public Communications Assistant
Job Code: 129107
Grade:
G
OT Eligible:
Yes
Comp Approval:
7/22/2008
JOB SUMMARY:
Provides public relations assistance and administrative support for department. Coordinates basic
public relations activities and events.
JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:
*E/M/NA
% TIME
______
______ Assists in the preparation, production, and distribution of informational and/or
promotional materials. Provides basic layout assistance for paper and/or
electronic publications, as needed. Provides digital photography and/or digital
photo editing, as required. Coordinates basic public relations activities and events
for a university department (may include coordination of volunteers and/or student
worker for assigned functions).
______
______ Provides administrative support for the department. Initiates follow-up action.
Interacts with university offices and/or supervisor's subordinates to facilitate
communications and information exchange. Gathers data, runs reports, drafts
and/or composes letters, memoranda, correspondence, etc., coordinates with
vendors for goods and services, follows up on project deliverables, etc. Tracks
and monitors expenditures, as required.
______
______ Coordinates department activities with media and vendors (writers, photographers,
graphic artists, typesetters, printers, mailing houses, etc.) and/or provides support
for e-publishing (e.g., updating basic website information, distributing email
"blasts", etc).
______
______ Writes and/or edits basic copy (e.g., captions for photos) for department
publications. Researches publication ideas and drafts content, as required.
______
______ Reviews and researches information, answers questions, and resolves routine
problems regarding public relations activities.
______
______ Updates and maintains department files, databases, mailing lists, telephone
contact information, etc.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves
the right to add or change duties at any time.
*Select E (ESSENTIAL), M (MARGINAL) or NA (NON-APPLICABLE) to denote importance of
each job function to position.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY:
Essential:
No
Public Communications Assistant - Job Code: 129107
Page 2
Yes In the event of an emergency, the employee holding this position is required to
“report to duty” in accordance with the university’s Emergency Operations Plan
and/or the employee’s department’s emergency response and/or recovery
plans. Familiarity with those plans and regular training to implement those
plans is required. During or immediately following an emergency, the employee
will be notified to assist in the emergency response efforts, and mobilize other
staff members if needed.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Education:
Associate's Degree
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
1 Year
Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience
Minimum Field of Expertise:
Education and/or experience in public relations, journalism or related field.
Preferred Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Preferred Experience:
2 Years
Skills: Administrative:
Answer telephones
Assemble and coordinate manuscripts
Balance figures
Communicate with others to gather information
Compose letters
Coordinate events
Coordinate meetings
Draft routine correspondence
Edit routine documents
Gather data
Input data
Maintain filing systems
Prioritize different projects
Research information
Understand and apply policies and procedures
Use database and/or word processing software
Use desktop publishing software
Skills: Machine/Equipment:
Calculator
Computer Network (Department or School)
Computer Network (University)
Computer Peripheral Equipment
Fax
Personal Computer
Photocopier
Public Communications Assistant - Job Code: 129107
Page 3
Supervises: Level:
May oversee student, temporary and/or casual workers.
SIGNATURES:
Employee: _____________________________________ Date:_____________________________
Supervisor: ____________________________________ Date:_____________________________
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer